wax removal for decal prep...

aways · 04:35 PM

I picked up a pair of Carrera side script decals from a friend, which will go on my car this weekend. Apparently for a good adhesion, all wax muxt be removed from area where decal will be applied. I'm open to suggestions as to the best way to make sure that any old wax is removed... Someone suggested rubbing alcohol? Is this OK? I obviously don't want to harm the paint/clearcoat...

Early_S_Man · 12-09-2004, 04:26 PM

3M Paint Cleaner ... from your local automotive paint store

blue82coupe · 12-09-2004, 04:33 PM

Rubbing alcohol will work. So will plain Dawn dishwasing liquid.But Meguiars Show Car Glaze and 3M HandGlaze Will also clean the surface and polish as well. Dan

Eric Coffey · 12-09-2004, 04:51 PM

PPG Acryli-Clean. Safe for all finishes.

Tex3 · 12-09-2004, 04:53 PM

Being a carnut for all makes of cars I really like trans ams(but love 911

) with that in mind here is a link that might help you with your decal
http://www.texastransams.com/restoration.htm
Click on Decal Seminar and or Decals

Good luck and make sure to post some pics.

Leader · 12-09-2004, 05:02 PM

"Dawn" dishwashing liquid diluted in hot water will take wax off with ease. Plus, it's cheap when compared to all the so-called "specialty products" that claim to accomplish the same thing. Get some Dawn.

aways · 12-09-2004, 09:19 PM

Thanks to all who responded. I think I'll just go with the Dawn diswashing liquid method, and then, just to be sure, a quick swipe with the rubbing alcohol...

bigrubberjeep · 12-09-2004, 09:46 PM

As a side note, let me recomend NOT adhering the decal on the first try. Make many doube checks with dry-erase markers and such.

RickM · RickM's Garage

For reference purposes, Dupont's Prepsol is another option.

Gunter · Gunter's Garage

Virgin's Juice! Very hard to find though.

porschenut · 12-10-2004, 10:45 AM

Citrus degreaser, followed by 2 washings with Dawn, followed by rubdown with mineral spirits, followed by a tack rag.

Superman · 12-10-2004, 10:56 AM

When you really need to strip all wax off something, then you find out how really hard that is. I'd question some of the suggestions here. The one that I am confident in is Eric's suggestion. PPG Acryli-Clear or Acryli-Clean. And follow directions. You put it on with one rag, and it makes a soup out of the wax. Then, very important, while it's still soup you use another, clean rag to get it off. This stuff is available at auto paint stores.

Eric Coffey · 12-10-2004, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bigrubberjeep
As a side note, let me recomend NOT adhering the decal on the first try. Make many doube checks with dry-erase markers and such.

Yeah, and you shouldn't apply the decal dry either. The decal shop guys spray the car and decal down (after de-greasing) with a solution of slightly soapy water and a little rubbing alcohol (to aid drying). This will let you position it on the car to get it exactly where you want it. Then you just use a soft bondo spreader to get the excess liquid and air bubbles out.

aways · 12-10-2004, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bigrubberjeep
As a side note, let me recomend NOT adhering the decal on the first try. Make many doube checks with dry-erase markers and such.

I'm not sure what you mean by this...

I plan to position the decal exactly as I want it, and then tape a masking tape "hinge" running along the top of the decal. Then I'll cut the decal into several workable pieces (in gaps in the vinyl) and spray soapy water onto the surface of the car. Then I'll remove the backing to expose the sticky surface and press into place and smooth with a squeege. I'll then use a sharp exacto knife to cut the decal at the door gaps. After everything is dry, I'll peel the mask off the outside of the decal. Does this sound like a good procedure?

RickM · RickM's Garage

Well, as a matter of fact here are directions on how to install decals..... http://www.haolekid.com/InstallationDirections.htm

"....clean with soapy water, followed by a degreaser (try a citrus cleaner or an automobile product like "Prepsol"). For glass, try windex. Finish up by wiping with alcohol. Let dry completely."

As mentioned there are a few products similar to Prepsol. The use of two rags (As mentioned above) to get all of the wax off is what I'd do as well.

aways · 05:49 PM

Arrrg! I got to thinking that if I use any of the products that deep clean to remove the wax like a paint cleaner, PPG Acryli-Clear or Acryli-Clean, or Prepsol, then the area that I clean for decal preparation may no longer closely match the color/finish of the rest of my car. The condition of the paint on my car is pretty good, but it is likely slightly oxidized like any 17-year old car finish will be. I think it might make sense to "bite the bullet" and simply clean and polish the entire car, then apply the decal, then wax the car... Sounds like a lot of work just to install the decal, but it might be worth it in the long run. Does anyone have experience with the Meguiar's three-step process: Meguiar's paint cleaner (supposedly safe for clear coat finishes), followed by Meguiar's polish, followed by Meguiar's carnuba wax?... Is there a down side to giving the car a once-over with the paint cleaner/polish? The Meguiar's products claim to be safe for the paint... but I have no experience in this area...

Adam · Adam's Garage

I just used some good old Isopropyl Alcohol before fitting mine.

2.5+ years later, it's all good.